Fracture strength of relatively brittle structures and materials

✍ Scribed by G.R. Irwin

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1970
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 677 KB
• Volume: 290
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0016-0032
• DOI: 10.1016/0016-0032(70)90234-6

✦ Synopsis

In the case of relatively brittle structural materials, linear fracture mechanics provides an analysis basis for testing and control of fracture strength. Standardized methods of crack toughness testing are available only for metals which can be pre-cracked by fatigue.

Hence, further work on this topic is needed for glassy and polymeric solids. Proper use of surface Tesidual compressive stress is aprimary method of fracture control for such materials, and environment-assisted stable crack extension is often a significant factor. In the case of layered or parallellfiber stiffened composites, the single crack fracture mechanics viewpoint usually applies to individual separations, but the aggregate effect of the expected distribution of cracks must be taken into account. Often the proof test is the main safeguard against strength-type failures in service, and the effkiency with which proof testing is employed is important.